May 19, 2017

AUGUSTA - The Maine Senate, on Thursday, voted unanimously
to give initial approval to a bill by Sen. Bill Diamond (D-Windham) that
removes a prohibition on fundraising by police officers.

The bill, LD 588, “An Act to Allow Law Enforcement Agencies
and Associations to Engage Directly in Fund-raising under Certain
Circumstances,” allows uniformed police officers to raise money to help their
colleagues and community members or their families, who are facing financial
adversity.

For example, police officers would be allowed to coordinate
fundraisers to help cover hospital bills.

“Police officers and others in the profession of law enforcement
care deeply about their communities, but are barred from helping their
neighbors in their moment of need,” said Sen. Diamond. “This bill will not only
lead to more help for people who need it, but will foster more trust and better
relationships between officers and the citizens they serve.”

LD 588 was amended in committee to preclude officers from
direct solicitation, stemming from a concern that citizens could feel
intimidated or pressured into donating to a cause that was championed by law
enforcement.

“So many of our brave officers have expressed frustration
over their inability to assist their colleagues and their families when times
get tough; I look forward to seeing this bill become law so that we can put
that chapter behind us,” said Sen. Diamond.